James Trafford's Leeds switch could forge England's next No.1

Having managed to pull away from relegation danger last term, the Yorkshire club have loftier ambitions in 2026-27, as is evident by their transfer activity.

They beat off several clubs to secure the signature of Harry Wilson, who comes to the club after his best-ever Premier League campaign, and have recruited highly rated Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, who made a big impression at Sassuolo last year.

However, it’s the newly completed deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford that also shows Daniel Farke’s side are ready to mix it up with the league’s heavy hitters.

The fee is substantial, reportedly up to £45 million, with the club finally solving their goalkeeping issue and showing a statement of intent ahead of the new campaign.

Yet for Trafford himself, it could finally be the move that signals his elevation both domestically and internationally.

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The next big thing 

James Trafford’s ascension to being the top English goalkeeper has felt like a long time coming.

A product of the Manchester City academy, it was at Burnley where he made his breakthrough, becoming the club’s number-one keeper for the 2023-24 season upon their return to the Premier League, aged just 21.

Despite the Clarets' relegation, he impressed and was linked with a move away from Turf Moor before staying for their Championship campaign. It was a season where he would concede just nine goals, a new English football record, and at one point racked up a record-breaking 12 clean sheets in a row.

By the start of the next season, Trafford was back at City after the club brought their former youth star back, but again his path to the club’s number one shirt was blocked by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

With the Italian installed as first choice, the 23-year-old had to be content with being City’s ‘cup keeper,’ and although he picked up an FA Cup final medal and played in the final, there was always a feeling that he wanted a first-team spot elsewhere.

England’s heir 

Rich Storry / Stringer

A huge part of his desire to be a club’s number one again is his place in the England reckoning.

Trafford currently has two caps to his name, having first earned a call-up in 2024 and finally making his debut in March this year, which led to his inclusion in the Three Lions' World Cup squad.

With Jordan Pickford now 32, thoughts have started to turn to his long-term successor, and Trafford can put himself in prime position with a season of being Leeds' new number one.

“I don't know in time for the Euros,” Brad Freidel said exclusively to DAZN News thanks to Skinradar.gg when asked about Trafford’s international chances.

“But over time, I think if he gets a real long run of games at a club, then yes, he’s the one.

“I mean, there's definitely pressure there. At Leeds, especially if they can find themselves fighting to get into European positions and he's part of that group that does that.

“He has the talent, but the next step for him is getting a long period of games at a club that's playing towards the European places and getting confidence of the England staff. But he's a very talented goalkeeper.”

Pickford has been England’s number one for the last five tournaments, but for large parts of his international career has been unchallenged by a lack of top-drawer candidates.

But if Trafford can take his already established reputation into his new home where he’ll be first choice, the Everton stopper will have real competition for the first time in a very long time.

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